Austin Fashion Week - First Impressions

Last night was the 1st night of Austin Fashion Week - the brainchild of Matt Swinney, formerly of Rare Magazine. When the list of Participating Designers was announced a few weeks ago - we had a twinkling of an eye to plan some stellar events - and Austinites KNOW how to throw a party at the last minute!

The concept of Austin Fashion Week (AFW) is to showcase local designers, boutiques, salons, models, photographers, and more. Designers are hosted by a salon/boutique for the whole week, with events going on every day. If you like free cocktails and snacks - you're set for the next 5 days! Visit my blog for coverage all week long - and be sure to check out my events!

So my 16 year old niece and I headed out in the heat - in the un-airconditioned HOOPTIE - to check out a few events.




First stop was Thomas Saverio Salon in Northwest Austin. They had a great selection of food and drinks, and were hosting Team Etsy Austin member Cindy Chuang of Sweet Potato Island. Cindy is a newcomer to the Austin Fashion Scene - she joins the exclusive ranks of "best constructed handbags" in town. This group includes Liz Potter of Bolsa Bonita, Wendy Irwin of Ballistic Sweater Girl, and myself.


Cindy's designs were beautifully displayed, and News 8 Austin showed up to cover it!


Next stop was WaterStone Aesthetics, a full service Salon near UT Campus. OMG - best Customer Service Experience I have had in a long long time! Their event was an "educational evening" with free consultations on hairstyling and up-dos. We were warmly greeted by everyone, and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joe Edwards.




I have a hard time styling my hair in this heat - and Joe showed me how to get a sexy, wavy look with a difusser. I had sworn off diffusers since my forced perm days of the early 90s, but I think I am a new convert! WaterStone is hosting talented designer Kerri Lawnsby of Foxy Fusions - her fused glass work is gorgeous! They are teaming up for what is sure to be a fun fashion show this Friday from 7:30 to 10:30.

So what's on tap for tonight? CHIA's event at SOLA: The Triangle and Tasty Jewelry's Cocktail Party at Sirens Salon - Gotta see my girls! Check out the AFW calendar for full details!

Don't forget to VOTE FOR *ANNEMARIE* as Austin's Best Designer - and check out my events this week!

xo, Anne Marie

DIY Wednesday - September Events Recap

Oh how time does fly!  Just two weeks ago I was out for one of the busiest weekends I've had all year.  On Saturday Sept. 19th my friend Amy Barber of Sweettooth Bags, and I, set up during Gruene Market Days in beautiful Gruene, Texas.

This was our first time to do this craft show, and it was a lot of fun!  You can shop the handmade market for everything from soaps and body scrubs by Fleegal Farms, to handmade pottery, wood-inlay jewelry, wooden boxes and bowls, metal art and much much more.











The real highlight of that weekend was the We Make Stuff event produced by Candace Carlisle of Electric Promotions.  The event was a fun evening of crafty-demos by The WonderCraft, an exclusive Handmade Vendor Market, and a Fabulous Fashion Show featuring handbag designs by *annemarie*!
Anne Marie Beard and Candace Carlisle at We Make Stuff.







Gorgeous Model from We Make Stuff Fashion Show



The thing I enjoyed the most about the evening was getting all gussied up in my outfit!  A few weeks ago I attended the debut Fashion Show of local Designer Anslee Connell of Savannah Red.  I fell in love with her dresses, and asked to "dress" me for the event.

We found the PERFECT dress, and I have not felt that sexy in a looooooong time!  My amazing hairpiece was courtesy of Sweettooth Bags, and my unusual one of a kind necklace by Spoilt Victorian Child.  Viva Le Austin Designers!



The sassy pictures above are courtesy of Austin's busiest Photo Booth Man... Trevor Ray Thompson.  Allison and I are proud that he provided the photo booth for our first Shop Austin Event, as he is getting all famous now!

The Fashion Show was photographed by John Pesina, and you can see more of the pictures of that here.

October looks to be a fun filled month on the Austin Craft Scene and Austin Fashion Scene as well... look for details on Handmade Happenings™  by The Lone Star Ladies coming soon!

xo, Anne Marie

Fashion Friday - *annemarie* hits the Runway!

This Saturday Electric Promotions will bring another exciting event to the Austin Fashion and Craft Scene.  We're expecting a huge turn out - so get there early!  We've gotten great coverage so far thanks to Austin Tidbits, Launch787, Do512, the Austinist, and more!

We Make Stuff is a showcase of talented folks in a variety of crafty fields - Music, Art and Fashion!  Held at the Scoot Inn, a favorite dive bar on the East Side, the evening is sure to have something for everyone.

You can shop for funky handmade goodies from a select group of artists, including *annemarie*, or take part in judging the Skateboard Painting contest.  You can head inside to get crafty with Team Etsy Austin and The Wondercraft!  Hang out and watch skate demonstrations on the half-pipe, and stick around for live music from 3 bands, including Austin favorite Hollywood Gossip.

The Fashion Show... oh yes, a very exciting part of the evening!  We have lovely models from The TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls & The Jigglewatts.  I will be showcasing 5 very special Art Bags - get ready to rock it!

Details
:: When :: Saturday, Sept. 19th, 7:00 pm
:: Where :: The Scoot Inn,  Austin, TX, 78702
:: Cost :: $6.00 at the door, 21 and up only
:: Benefit :: Purchase Raffle Tickets for items donated by local vendors, benefitting Art From the Streets.

Other Events
** You can also catch *annemarie* at Gruene Market Days Sat & Sun, Sept 19th & 20th.

**Blue Genie Art Rummage Sale!**  The iconic Blue Gene Art in East Austin is having its first ever rummage sale!  Original art, supplies, and more - this sounds RAD!

xo, Anne Marie